Once again I would like to share my Organizing Column from the KV Style magazine. It is sometimes a gals worst nightmare and can be a health issue as well. I hope that you find the expiry dates on cosmetics to be helpful.
Have you reached the Beauty Routine Storage limit?
Does your dresser or vanity look like it has been dusted with pink, blue or brown powder? …yes that is the residue from the makeup du jour. How about the flat irons, straight irons, curling irons in 4 different barrel sizes and the hair dryer with the diffuser that looks like a mass of cords? What about the polish…oh not the stuff for the floors….the stuff for the fingers and toes?
Just like any other organizing project, it is fun to think about the vanity of your dreams. Check online and look through magazines to find ideas of what you want your Dream Vanity to look and feel like.
Spend a bit of time doing some planning.
Take some of the ideas from your dreaming and scheming and create a mini vision board with pictures, colors and ideas that you can use in your own home. We may not all have glossy magazine homes but it is quite easy to create the same look and feel on a dime…I know you can…there are many TV shows that do this on a very tight budget or with no budget and a bit of creative flair.
Next you need to gather all beauty routine items together
The make up, hair stuff and nail care items and sort so all the like items are together. Don’t forget to take a peek in the bathroom vanity, linen closet and the bedroom to gather it all up…yes I mean all the beauty items….leave no stone or should I say emery board unturned.
Now the big purge…yes I said purge.
I am not sure if you are aware of it but anything that you put on your body has an expiry date. It may not say it on the package or item but there are some standard guidelines you can follow.
Make-Up best before dates
- Mascara – 3 months, don’t pump as it adds air and bacteria
- Cream eye shadow or blush – 6 to 12 months
- Cleansers, moisturizers and toners- 6 to 12 months. Tubes or pumps are better due to reduced exposure to air.
- Liquid Foundation- 1 year
- Powder Foundation, eye shadow or blush – 1 year
- Lipstick – 1 to 2 years
- Sunscreen- 1 year after opening
Refrigeration will actually extend the shelf life of your cosmetics. Keep your brushes free from contamination with regular cleaning.
Hair care best before dates
- Shampoo, conditioner, gels and mousse – 12 months after opening. They won’t damage your hair but they do lose their effectiveness.
Nail Care best before dates
- Nail polish – 1 year
- Polish remover – indefinitely
Makeup and Nail care Storage
A simple cutlery tray or a variety of containers will do the trick. You can get low end plastic options at the dollar store or visit Winners for sleek high end wood and cloth box options.
Curling/Straightening irons;
Here are few creative options; a wastebasket to stand them all in, cloth shoe holder that hangs over the door, stainless steel kitchen utensil bar to hang multiple items from.
If you are a visual person like me and want your everyday items organized so you can see them, then open storage is best for you.
If you prefer things tucked away then use the recommended storage ideas and tuck the organized items in a great looking cabinet, closet or box that will get it out of eyesight.
This simple organizing project could save you valuable minutes in the morning…reducing your morning stress and starting your day in a beautiful way!
